SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota Paradise today announced Dr. Glodi Konga, a UEFA B licensed coach with extensive collegiate leadership and local development experience, as Director of the Sarasota Paradise Youth Academy, which will officially launch in January 2026.
Dr. Konga will lead the implementation and day-to-day operation of the Youth Academy, establishing its training methodology, developmental standards, and long-term pathway aligned with the club’s professional philosophy. Overseen by the Paradise Technical Director and USL League One team Head Coach, Mika Elovaara, the Academy will serve players ages 6 and up. Elovaara, who is also a US Soccer federation A License Educator, brings with him two decades of player development to youth and senior national teams, top NCAA division 1 programs and professional teams in Europe and the United States, including two of his former players in Richmond, VA, being called up to the US U20 men’s national team camp in January 2026. In its initial phase, Sarasota Paradise Youth Academy is designed to supplement club play while providing consistent access to professional-level coaching and education, including coaching and mentorship from the Paradise pro players.
Central to Dr. Konga’s appointment is his recent work in Sarasota as the inaugural Head Men’s Soccer Coach at New College of Florida, where he successfully built a collegiate program from the ground up. His leadership at New College strengthened his connection to the local soccer community and provided direct experience creating a development environment rooted in structure, education, and long-term growth — principles that will guide the launch of the Youth Academy.
In addition to his time in Sarasota, Dr. Konga has spent several years in the college game, most recently at the Liberty University Men’s Soccer staff as Associate Head Coach, contributing to player development, training design, recruiting, and competitive preparation at the NCAA level. His combined collegiate and academic background reinforces the Academy’s emphasis on education alongside athletic development.
Dr. Konga holds a UEFA B coaching license and has more than a decade of experience across collegiate, youth, and elite development environments. His background includes leadership roles at Eastern University and the University of Valley Forge, as well as extensive experience designing training curriculums and player pathways.
“The Youth Academy is a foundational part of our club’s future,” said Marcus Walfridson, Founder and CEO of Sarasota Paradise. “Dr. Konga brings the right balance of educational leadership, local understanding, and professional coaching experience to build this program from the ground up. This Academy is about creating structure, opportunity, and a clear pathway for young players in our community.”
“Player development is never accidental. It requires alignment, accountability, and a clear pathway. My commitment as Academy Director is to build an environment where every player is developed with purpose and prepared for the next level on and off the field”, said Glodi Konga.
Launching in January 2026, the Sarasota Paradise Youth Academy will provide a structured, professional training environment focused on technical development, game understanding, and long-term growth, while establishing a clear developmental connection to the Sarasota Paradise professional pathway.
The Sarasota Paradise Youth Academy will launch its elite supplemental training program, designed for ambitious players born 2012–2020, offering young athletes the opportunity to train in a professional environment under the guidance of professional coaches and first-team players.
The program allows families to choose one or two training sessions per week throughout the school year, with flexible monthly subscriptions and the ability to cancel at any time. Training groups are structured to ensure personalized attention, with one professional coach for every 8–12 players.
Training Days by Birth Year
- 2012–2014: Wednesdays & Fridays, 5:00 PM
- 2015–2017: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:00 PM
- 2018–2020: Mondays & Fridays, 5:00 PM
The first training session will take place Friday, January 23 at 5:00 PM at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.
Academy members will receive exclusive benefits, including:
- Complimentary ticket to every Sarasota Paradise USL League One home game
- Free exclusive academy t-shirt upon signup
- Personalized coaching in a professional training environment
- Family discounts on official Sarasota Paradise merchandise
- Exclusive family ticket offers
- Priority access to Sarasota Paradise and professional affiliate team training camps
- Special pricing on all Sarasota Paradise camps
Families and interested players can find additional information and register for the academy by visiting https://www.sarasotaparadise.us/youth-academy/.
The Youth Academy will continue to expand as Sarasota Paradise prepares for its inaugural USL League One season in 2026, with a focus on local talent development, professional standards, and long-term opportunity.
